(16-01-2013 07:07 PM)Diablo Wrote: Weren't weapons like the AR15 banned up to 2004? Why is everyone acting like they are crucial to their survival now?

Even if we ignore the safety issue, which I agree is often completely overblown. What is the argument for allowing weapons like the AR15?
Not the 2nd amendment either... That isn't an argument.

You are coming from the exact wrong direction, and yes, the 2nd Amendment and it's complete meaning is a argument.
I don't have to "qualify" my reason for buying a rifle that has multiple uses and is easy to use. But you shouldnt not know about firearms sooo...

The AR15 has been in production since the late 60's. It's assault rifle cousins have been in service since 62 and still prefered by most top tier military units that have a choice of rifle. There are millions of them built for every reason you could ever use a rifle for, and they come in every caliber from .17HMR to .50 BMG to crossbow. Yes, AR15's come in crossbow. They are(were! )cheap on ammo,accurate and easy to shoot do to the inline buffer design and the 223/5.56 low recoil. In DC vs Heller, SCOTUS ruled that the kind of arms protected by the 2nd amendment are ones that "are commonly owned by law abiding citizens for legitimate purposes" as apposed to "dangerous and unusual"arms. A semi auto firearm is based off of 100+ year old technology, and the AR has been in our hands for 40+ years being supplied with mostly 30r and some 20r magazines. There are so many different makers making soo many little different variations that you can't even keep up with the companies. It is certainly more that common, it's the most popular rifle in America right now sans any political derp.

My AR15 is the only rifle I own because it's the ultimate utility rifle. I can hunt, cross train for work, shoot different matches and defend my house with it. My wife even shoots it and she dosent exactly get excited about firearms.